From Now On, Ship Inspection Certificates Will Be Issued as Electronic Certificates... Educational Restrictions for Ship Inspectors Also Abolished

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Revises 'Ship Safety Act Enforcement Rules'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 17th the revision and promulgation of the 'Enforcement Rules of the Ship Safety Act,' allowing ship inspection certificates, which were previously issued only on paper, to be issued in electronic form, and enabling anyone with certain certifications and experience to become a ship inspector regardless of educational background.

According to the revision, an electronic certificate system will be introduced to issue legally mandated certificates in electronic form. Through this, ship inspection certificates and temporary navigation inspection certificates related to ship inspections will be issued as electronic certificates. Until now, ship inspection certificates were required to be kept on board in paper form, but with this revision of the enforcement rules, unnecessary paper waste will be eliminated, and the administrative burden on seafarers for issuing and managing paper certificates is expected to be greatly reduced.

Additionally, the previous educational requirement for ship inspectors, which mandated at least graduation from a junior college or higher, has been abolished. Now, anyone who obtains a third-class or higher maritime officer license and has more than three years of relevant experience can become a ship inspector, improving regulations.

The revision also includes provisions to recognize cargo managers of vehicles transporting livestock, seafood, and hazardous materials as temporary boarding personnel, allowing them to board cargo ships. Previously, cargo managers of specially managed cargo were not allowed to board cargo ships and had to use other means of transportation. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries expects this revision to significantly alleviate such inconveniences and economic burdens.

Furthermore, applications for 13 types of ship inspections can now be submitted using a single form, reducing the administrative burden on ship owners. The government will also regularly supervise and guide government agencies acting on its behalf to conduct type approval tests at least once a year.

The abolition of the educational requirement for ship inspectors will take effect immediately upon promulgation. The introduction of the electronic certificate system, recognition of temporary boarding personnel for cargo managers of livestock, seafood, and hazardous materials vehicles, and the unification of the 13 ship inspection forms will be implemented six months after promulgation, on December 17.

Kim Min-jong, Director of the Maritime Safety Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "This revision is the result of boldly improving regulations within the scope that does not compromise ship safety by listening to voices calling for regulatory improvements in the field. We will continue to prioritize the safe operation of national ships while faithfully carrying out regulatory improvements."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.